We’re traveling in October and our flight leaves JFK at 6:35 am. Any recommendations for a hotel to stay the night before that has an early morning shuttle?

We like the TWA Hotel for that situation. It's retro and cool and at terminal 5. If you're flying out of 5 you can simply walk over, otherwise just jump on the AirTrain to your terminal. We usually grab dinner at the rooftop pool bar. It's not cheap but we find it's an easy start to a vacation as you're already at the airport all ready to go.

We’ve done Park, stay, and fly at Crowne Plaza JFK and we’ve stayed at TWA. Our stay at Crowne Plaza was unmemorable which I think is a good sign for a simple airport stay. When flying JetBlue TWA Hotel was definitely the easiest for us. As a hotel TWA has some quirks so I’d recommend reading the TripAdvisor reviews before booking. Bottom line, if you’re able bodied and self sufficient you’ll probably be fine. If you’re looking for a high level of service and need assistance with bags, look somewhere else. Also if you’re not flying JetBlue the walk and air train from terminal 5 might be longer than the shuttle ride from offsite.

If you have not yet stayed at the TWA Hotel I highly suggest, and get a runway view room. It is just cool, a great piece of history brought back to life. I personally would do dinner at their restaurant in the main lobby (Paris Cafe) area and then go up to the top for drinks. If you are there early take a swim at the top. Take some time and explore the hotel.

TWA hotel for sure! Quirky, cool, retro and classic, all at the same time.
Cheers
irina

A few snaps I took back in June. Agree with Todd on the Paris Cafe option!

We stayed at the Hilton as it was priced well and we only needed to sleep. No other requirements after a full day in the city.

Had a 7:15 JB flight. Left Hilton at 5:35 and were ordering breakfast at 5:55. Global entry used and one of their two shuttles only goes to JB terminal which makes it really fast.